An Analysis of Aspirational Goals of Two-Year Business College Students.

Martin, Oneida L.

In spring 1982, a study was conducted at a predominantly white two-year business college to investigate students' aspirational goals and determine if their goals differed significantly at three levels of desired occupational mobility, i.e., upon graduation, in 5 years, and in 10 years. The study sample of 58 students, who were randomly selected from an enrollment roster of 550, consisted largely of young, white females. The study revealed that: (1) 98% of the students felt career opportunities would exist for them after graduation; (2) 59% said they knew someone who had succeeded in their own field of study; (3) 41% anticipated a $10,000-15,000 income after graduation, while 15% anticipated an income over $25,000; (4) although there was no significant difference between students' career aspirational goals upon graduation and their 5-year career goals, their 5-year goals were significantly different than their 10-year goals; and (5) 19% of the respondents failed to list immediate post-graduation career goals, and 37% did not list 5-or 10-year goals. The study results indicated that students were either unaware of career mobility and opportunities in their field or that they equated mobility with years of experience and age. In addition, the results suggested a need for the college to assist students in deciding on career paths. (Author/LL)